Worcester – “Be Mentally Well – Understanding the Complex World of Bullying” will be sponsored by the UMass Department of Psychiatry Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the UMass Medical School Medical School Lobby and Amphitheater 1, 55 Lake Ave. North, Worcester. This presentation is free and open to the public. Registration and exhibits will be available from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., with the lecture starting at 6:30 p.m.

An epidemic in our society, bullying is a serious challenge to families, schools and communities. Responding to this nationwide crisis requires knowing how to recognize the signs as well as the social norms that promote a passive acceptance of bullying behavior. Cyber bullying has increased the stakes and there are new trends and legal ramifications to this utilization of technology. With the legislation enacted by the Commonwealth and ongoing research there is a range of prevention and intervention strategies that are effective in assisting our youth in building the essential skills needed to curb bullying.

“Be Mentally Well – Understanding the Complex World of Bullying” will cover such topics as who the targets are and who the aggressors are, the utilization of technology respectfully, responsible and safely, changing the culture: the responsibilities of school and family, and models for prevention of intervention.